The easy part has been accomplished. Many players seeking and approving the perfect location, bidding the affordable long term lease, creating the appointed interior and convenient parking.

The details that have gone into a project like this show great devotion to the downtown. The rich navy wall painted to match the original police Pantone blue. The nautical sail imprinted with “police” hanging from the antique light pole. The blue globe signifying police presence reminiscent of Victorian times. Details like this correspond to a lovely, safe feeling.

All of these moving parts are oiled with help from monies raised at the Main Street Business Improvement District Security Fundraiser last June, from The Cape Cod Melody Tent, The Blue Coats, property owner Kevin O'Neil, Eagle painting, the police auctions and commitments from the town, just to name a few.

All of these things just came together naturally as this really is what is meant to be. Even capital monies opened up to continue the gorgeous light pole and road/sidewalk improvement plan from the Youth Center down High School Road straight to the door of the station.

Now comes the hard part: to set the tone early that downtown Hyannis belongs to residents and visitors that are here for business, tourism, community- and family-oriented activities. The message that there will be no tolerance for bad behavior and aimless hanging around.

Spring needs to hurry up and roll in as outdoor dining is now in place. The daffodils need to open. The visitors will start coming back for the weekends. The economy will show signs. Confidence will pour back into the downtown.

Actually, the development going on right now on Main Street is quite positive. The Asa Bearse House has been gutted to try to preserve the original facade, as most of the interior was in bad condition. This kind of improvement is at great expense to the developer, but he said he feels it is a worthwhile expense to bring an attractive, high-quality business to Main Street. The Beech Tree property is also being historically preserved because the developers both feel there is great value in the history of the property. And this week the owners of Orexi Foods unveiled a big renovation on Main Street, Mayflower Shops

Nobody disagrees there is a captivating nostalgia regarding Main Street. I always read about businesses that have come and gone that represented memories for the local population. Remember Dumont's pharmacy, Peck and Peck, the movie theater? Now we have new names. And the police, the town, the schools, the businesses - new and established - all recognize that together we can create a new reality for our downtown – a nostalgia for the future generations.